Ike Taylor Says Ben Roethlisberger is Setting Steelers Back, Should Retire

Whereas Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has nonetheless but to decide on his future, certainly one of his former teammates says it’s time to cling up is cleats.

Joining TMZ Sports on Sunday, former Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor stated it’s time for Roethlisberger to retire, or he dangers turning into a detriment to the group transferring ahead.

Whereas he admits Roethlisberger’s résumé has earned him the precise to provide it one other go, Taylor believes a comeback is barely delaying the inevitable and setting the franchise again, because the division round them continues to enhance.

“You’re setting them again a 12 months or two or three (with a comeback),” Taylor stated. “The rationale why I believe you’re setting them again is since you’ve seen the development in Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow — earlier than he bought damage — and Baker Mayfield.”

Roethlisberger can be a 39-year-old when the 2021 season kicks off, clearly the elder statesman in a younger man’s division.

“So, we’re speaking about three younger quarterbacks in a single division,” Taylor stated. “Who you going to select final?”

For Taylor, the best choice is for Roethlisberger to retire this offseason, permitting Pittsburgh to discover a youthful, non permanent quarterback to compete within the current within the AFC North, whereas nonetheless trying in the direction of the longer term.

“Ain’t nothing unsuitable with shutting that factor down,” Taylor stated. “It’s onerous for lots of people to close it down. It’s onerous.”

Nonetheless, Taylor had reward for his former teammate, and admitted the Steelers ought to deliver him again on a considerably discounted contract if potential.

Roethlisberger has not formally introduced a return for the 2021 season, but did express his willingness to restructure his expensive contract for a potential comeback.

The 2-time Tremendous Bowl champion was inconsistent final season. Roethlisberger had a positive season statistically, passing for 3,803 yards and 33 touchdowns with ten interceptions, however noticed his play drop over the latter half of the 12 months.

Roethlisberger will depend over $41 million in the direction of the Steelers’ 2021 wage cap obligations, with the membership projected to be properly over the cap this offseason. He may forgo as much as $19 million of his wage for this upcoming season to supply the crew some a lot wanted flexibility.